Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I've got SMC D3NGV router that I received after I switched over from Frontier. Access to SMC Xfinity router is 10.0.0.1. I am trying to extend wireless signal strength which I have a Linksys WRT54GS router which I am trying to bridge, but I am not able to successfully to do so.

SMC router as setup as 10,0.0.1, and tried to change the local IP on LInksys router from 192.168.1.1 to 10.0.0.2, disable DHCP server on it and save the settings. But on SMC router page it shows device as Unknown with correct MAC address from the Linksys router. I had a wireless test check on 1 side of home where I almost had 1 or no bars on wireless status on my laptop. But after this setup with Unknown, I am getting at least 2 bar signal strength but Comcast router page still shows my Linksys router as Unknown.

I followed this website to get it bridged from Comcast SMC D3NGV router to Linksys WRT54GS v3 router.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Disconnect all devices from the SMCD3GNV, then call Comcast and ask them to place the SMCD3GNV into bridge mode, which essentially turns it into a cable modem. Then just connect the WRT54GS's WAN interface and connect it to one of the ethernet ports on the SMC. That should do it.

If the Comcast phone rep turns out to be clueless (so many of them are), send a PM to ComcastLarry, he can get it into bridge mode for you.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I have been on the phone with Comcast several times and they keep telling me that I need to get an extender and contact the manufacturer of the extender for support.

I have been trying to PM ComcastLarry to get the SMCD3GNV to enable bridge mode but so far he didn't understand what I wanted so we still continuing our PM conversation and perhaps call/email so he can further understand what is it that I wanted to do.

I want to get rid of the SMC but I have Triple Play which the modem needs to be depend on for voice calls. Is there another router/modem more simpler than the SMC that I can use to work with the Linksys router?

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

After Trying to get my login info for my SMCD3GNV from Comcast i was routed through many people, initially the first customer service representative had no idea anything i was talking about and tried to set me up with a tech support package or somethiong that was like 44.00 a month. all i wanted was the default login for my router as the tech that did the install gave me false information, it was not the login for my router or my account login...... below is the default login that i obtained directly from SMC tech Support as directed by the last Comcast Representative i spoke with in chat. here is what 44.00 would have got me....

(All Lower Case)

Username is: admin

Password: password

feel free to change it as needed or as the tech advised to leave as the default....up to you. ENJOY...

This doesn't excuse the continued ignorance of the Comcast phone reps about something they SHOULD know about, but at least there are sources of information available without paying for "premium" support.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

This is amazing to me...the first words I hear when I call refer to excellent customer service and how important I am as a customer...let's see...1.5 hours later...8 or nine transfers...at least 6 phone calls...5 disconnects - including one "transfer to a supervisor"...all to get someone to click a button to switch this SMCD3GNV into bridge mode - who would have thought that something so simple could be so challenging...what a horrible waste of my time...perhaps its the time I'm calling - although, I was transferred to the "paid support" (home networking dept.) who has the ability to perform this simple operation...just not the willingness, at least not for free. Someone in customer service really needs a reality check and perhaps an audit...its shameful.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

So, assuming that there isn't anyone with any reasonable level of technical acumen employed late night in support, I attempted this adventure again this morning. The result: 4 calls, 3 disconnects...and amazingly...a call back - which resulted in my modem being immediately put into bridge mode. I would venture to say that someone responsible for the call centers need to do some training and perhaps better communication...so what's the cost of 2.5 hours of a customers time to provide a 20 second solution to a customer?...good grief

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎08-14-201103:15 PM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:05 AM by ComcastLarry

Yeah, Comcast has severely dropped the ball with this whole SMC gateway thing. First off the gateway is junk when it comes to wireless, the interface has missing critical functions (like activating bridge mode and turning off wireless) and the thing was rolled out to customers with insufficient time or training to the phone reps. Of course so many of the phone reps are clueless in the first place it's hard to imagine training doing them much good, but whatever was done or provided obviously did not take root ANYWHERE.

As dcren21 and others have pointed out, the folks at ﻿ do a much better job of handling these bridge requests than the general phone reps.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Hi - I have a similar issue (if not the same issue). I have the SMC D3GNV router as well, and am trying to use a Trendnet TEW-640MB bridge with it. I have no trouble getting the bridge to connect to the SMC wireless router and get an IP address. In fact, going through the bridge (wired pc->bridge->wireless->SMC) I can even get into the SMC's admin console fine - so that's proving I can make the connection between the two.

The problem is that from the bridged PC, I can not get out to the internet. I've tried multiple PCs, etc. Also, I tried the wired pc->bridge->wireless->old trendnet router->wired->SMC, and I can get out fine that way.

It appears that something in the SMC is blocking internet traffic when connected to/from the bridge. I disabled the SMC firewall entirely, and still no luck.

What does having the SMC placed in bridge mode do to the internal router (4 wired ports + internal wireless)? Will having Comcast enable bridge mode mean I have to use an external wireless router anyway? I'm hoping there's a way to keep the SMC as a wired/wireless router and use the bridge with it, as it seems the most direct connection (versus adding another router).

Thanks for any info you can provide.

FYI - Here's a route print when connected via ethernet cable from laptop to trendnet bridge to comcast router/modem (though I do not know what they mean). :-)

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I have seen a few messages about folks using a wireless bridge with this SMC describing troubles similar to yours. Not sure what the exact cause is at the moment.

The route print looks normal, it says send everything through 10.0.0.1 which is your SMC gateway. What does ipconfig /all say? What about a tracert www.google.com? What is the IP address of the bridge? Can you list its configuration?

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Hi Baric - Thank you for your help. Below is all the information I could put together (with a comparison of pc->bridge which isn't working, and pc->smc direct which is working). The only thing I could see differently is that the tracert has a complete failure going through the bridge - like it can't even resolve the dns address. that's just a guess.

In this case, I had set the bridge up with a static IP of 10.0.0.253, and the PC IP is DHCP 10.0.0.13. I've tried using DHCP and WPS on bridge->SMC without any luck also.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I don't see anything glaring there, it looks to be setup properly. It's troubling that the bridge won't pull an IP from the gateway via DHCP, but it's not unheard of, differences in DHCP clients and server can be frustrating sometimes. Since you can get to the SMC gateway admin pages from the PC while connected to the bridge, that means the bridge is working. My guess is we have yet another deficiency with the SMC gateway, something is wrong with its routing function when using a bridge or relay device. It might be it just doesn't like the Trendnet bridge, but in that case I would expect you not to ever be able to see the SMC's admin interface.

You migth try calling Trendnet support, they may have suggestions for things to try.

My advice would be to either get rid of the SMC or have Comcast place it in bridge mode (turns it into a basic EMTA) and then use your own wireless router. The SMCD3GNV is known to be a problem device in some areas (like wireless performance and control of basic functions).

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Thanks for your reply. Sorry, I can't since I've only one router and I want to use it as a wireless bridge, if I've it connected to the comcast box, then I'll need to get another router. For now, I use my router as a wireless client and configured the wireless as my WAN interface. For the local LAN on my router I've another network configured.

But I run into similar issue if I use virtual box (virtualization) from my laptop with my laptop's wireless interface as a bridge to my virtual machines ethernet interfaces. Do you know whether there is going to be any firmware update for the Xfinity SMC wireless comcast boxes?

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Sorry, I have no inside information on when or if a firmware upgrade will be available for this gateway. I heard a rumor some months back about new firmware, but never anything after that and I don't have one here so I can't check the firmware version. And since this is a gateway, any upgrading is purely in Comcast's hands (you can't do it yourself).

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I've had the same trouble as most the people here, I've spent a good portion of the day trying to get them to bridge my SMC. The thing that's so insane about it is that it already was and I was assured the only way it could possibly get turned on if I called and paid to activate it. Low and behold I find out that I suddenly have a Wifi signal and another router.

First per I got through chat apparently resent a config file without saying and thing and killed my connection and the next and the person I called I had to explain what "Bridging" and DHCP are.

Just a quick update. The number provided above worked like a charm, with in a few minutes it was bridged again.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎12-01-201108:59 PM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:33 AM by ComcastLarry

I tried this. But still had an odd but serious problem.

I eventually got Comcast to turn on Bridge Mode (via help at this phone number:

.The person said they also "turned off wireless."

Anyway, if I now connected the router to my computer via an Ethernet cable, I had Internet access. I could no longer access the router web interface, but maybe that's to be expected. Otherwise, all seemed okay.

But if I now connected the router (now a modem supposedly) to my AirPort Base Station, the Base Station would not pick up the Internet Address or DNS. I am fairly knowledgeable with how to work with the ABS and tried various things, including resetting the ABS. Nothing worked.

I finally had to give up and get Comcast to reverse what they did.

At least for me, turning on bridge mode was not a solution. Looks like the only other option is to replace the router for an actual modem.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

But if I now connected the router (now a modem supposedly) to my AirPort Base Station, the Base Station would not pick up the Internet Address or DNS. I am fairly knowledgeable with how to work with the ABS and tried various things, including resetting the ABS. Nothing worked.

You probably needed to just properly powercycle/reset the SMC like any other straight modem.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎12-02-201103:51 AM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:09 AM by ComcastLarry

The SMC gateway has a battery like all EMTA's so that your phones continue to work in the event of a power outage (until the batteries wear-out). Simply pulling the plug on an EMTA does nothing since it has internal power, what you need to do to press and hold the Reset button on the back for 2-5 seconds until the gateway reboots. DO NOT HOLD FOR MORE THAN 15 SECONDS. That resets the device to factory settings and and turns off bridge mode and you will have to call Comcast again at to get it turned on again.

And yes, the rep was correct, going to bridge mode deactivates the router and wireless functions and the web interface at http://10.0.0.1 no longer functions. As an EMTA, it should respond at http://192.168.100.1 as any other normal modem, but that's just a guess.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

And yes, the rep was correct, going to bridge mode deactivates the router and wireless functions and the web interface at http://10.0.0.1 no longer functions. As an EMTA, it should respond at http://192.168.100.1 as any other normal modem, but that's just a guess.

Hi Baric, no it doesn't respond at 192.168.100.1 already tried that one. Guess there is no way to see it after bridging.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

RE: "what you need to do to press and hold the Reset button on the back for 2-5 seconds until the gateway reboots."

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, it's a bit too late for me to try it out...as I already reverted back to non-bridge mode and I am not in a hurry to undo that. Still, it's not entirely clear to me why resetting might help with connecting the gateway to the AirPort Base Station when gateway already worked fine when connected directly to my Mac via Ethernet. Still, if I had thought of it at the time, it certainly would have been worth a try.

In the meantime, looks like I'm going to buy a cable modem instead (and save on the monthly fee that Comcast charges as a bonus). I'm getting the Motorola SurfBoard 6121. I assume I'll still have to call Comcast when making the switch. Wish me luck.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

When a gateway is in bridge mode, it is only a cable modem. A cable modem with a default config from Comcast will talk to only one specific device. In order to get it to talk to a different device, you have to clear what's called the CPE (customer premise equipment) table, which lists the MAC address(es) of all devices connected to the modem. To add a new entry to this already full table, you have to zero it out and that involves Reseting the device. Whenever you change the device connected to the modem (be it a computer or router or whatever), you must do this Reset procedure.

In your case, when you connect the Airport base station, you have to reset the modem so the Airport's MAC address can be added to the CPE table, replacing whatever was there before (likely the MAC of whatever was connected to the gateway and talked first when it was placed in bridge mode the first time).

If you get your own cable modem, you simply disconnect the gateway and connect the coax to the SB6121, then call Comcast and tell them you want to register/provison your new cable modem. They will need the make, model, serial number, and HFC MAC address of new modem. Afterwards, the gateway should no longer function, so of course no devices connected to it can get the the Internet, all phones connected to it will stop working, etc. In some areas, you can register the modem yourself, since going to any web page with an unregistered modem will redirect your to a registration portal page. Just fill in the requested info. Be aware, however, that this process fails in many cases. If it were me, I'd simply call Comcast and have them do it, it only takes about 5-10 minutes (if you get a smart tech) and you're up and running.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Well, I should've read this before I upgrade to this SMC D3GNV. I had a LInksys WCG200 as my Internet gateway and Motorola SBV for my digital voice. I got tricked into this SMC to combine everything. I am using Netgear WN2000RPT to extend the signal for my Internet-ready TV. Before SMC, everything works great, now I cannot use my extender anymore.

I did follow all the steps to connect. SMC also found my WN2000RPT. There is wireless connection between WN2000RPT and SMC, but I cannot get on the internet if my laptop is connect to the WN2000RPT. Funny is I can access 10.0.0.1 from the laptop which connected to WN2000RPT wirelessly, but I just don't have the internet access. Basically the signal repeater just become a homenetworking to share files.

If I have to buy another router and ask Comcast to enable the bridge mode, then it makes no sense to combine everything together in one machine. Unfortunately, it is what it is. I wonder has anyone successfully configure this problem. I am 100% sure that it is the Comcast problem, I think they probably disable this relay function.

If you have successfully resolve this problem by using static IP, please provide detail steps. I am truly grateful and appreciated.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I'm an ex-Comcast installer and a current tier 2 tech support agent. Just waiting patiently fro admin to change my name to red. /sigh

Then I'll be able to help set folks to Bridged mode!

My workaround was the opposite. I left my Dory alone and set my Linksys up as a repeater. I had an ethernet cable running from my Dory to my Blu-Ray player for Netfilx. I plugged my Linksys in to the ethernet and set it to bridged mode, then ran a jumper out of the Linksys to restore connectivity to the Blu-Ray.

The Dory does the routing and the Linksys acts as a wireless hub.

The reason I did this instead of setting the Dory to bridged mode was because at the time, bridged mode disabled the line card, which runs telephony. Since then, a frimware fix has been deployed which has remedied this.

There are firmware updates in planning to attempt to fix the range issues but honestly, with internal antennae, I can't see it making much of a difference.

Just an FYI.... the Arris version of the Dory (TM852G & TM862G,) seems to have a better range.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

The SMC is real junk when it comes to wireless. My suggestion would be to get rid of it entirely and get your own cable modem and seperate wireless router. If you want ro need to keep the SMC (phone support, etc), I would suggest you have it bridged and connect your own router. The SMC appears to make a decent EMTA, but as a wireless router it should be avoided at all costs.

While I understand the desire to simplify things and use one combination device, in practice these gateways are almost always a bad idea and compromise one or more functions for the sake of "simplicity" which leaves you hanging in the wind when you need those functions to work well. Seperate dedicated components are almost always a better, more functional solution

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

If your AirPort Base Station has a place to put in dns ip's uses a google public dns. I have one of them put in my linksys router. Because last year Comcast was having DNS problems. Configure your network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as your DNS servers. That way if comcast dns severs are have trouble I can still get on the web.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

If your AirPort Base Station has a place to put in dns ip's uses a google public dns. I have one of them put in my linksys router. Because last year Comcast was having DNS problems. Configure your network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as your DNS servers. That way if comcast dns severs are have trouble I can still get on the web.

This could likely be detrimental to anyones CDN based delivered services..

Keep in mind that I work from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST, Friday through Monday. If you PM me outside of these hours, I won't be able to help until I return to work. If you call the Dory hotline within these hours, chances are you'll get me as I'm one of the few techs in that phone queue over the weekends.

For those of you who would rather use the Dory's router function and bridge your own router, be sure to set your router with a static IP, then add the static IP to the Dory. It'll then recognize your router as part of the network. I'll be posting screenshots at a later time.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Can I use static IPs on my local lan or do I have to allow the SMC gateway to assign addresses. I have the SMC installed. I can ping internet ip addresses but not names. This seems to be a problem with DNS. I have a WNR1000 that I may want to use instead of the router in the gateway.

By the way I just spent 10 minutes arguing on LiveChat about static/dynamic IP addresses. Jephunneh keep insisting that static IP addresses change. Needless to say I didn't have much confidence that my problem would be solved.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎12-19-201110:49 PM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:16 AM by ComcastLarry

Yes, you can setup static IP addresses on your equiopment and not rely on the DHCP function in the SMC gateway if that's what you want. See the manual for details. However, I would recommend if you are using your own router to have the SMC placed in bridge mode and totally disable its router and wireless functions, using your own router for that. The SMC becomes an EMTA (cable modem with phone support) and your router handles the routing and wireless functions.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

NEVER! Change the login info on the emta gateway. If a tech comes to your home to fix an issue and that is changed they cannot access the web interface for troubleshooting. There is not a good way to reset this with out having to swap the emta. Save yourself time and a possible service charge and leave it alone. Please however feel free to change the SSID and password though.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎01-30-201207:49 PM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:17 AM by ComcastLarry

That is completely wrong, the gateway (not EMTA) can be reset to factory defaults by pressing and holding the Reset button on the device for more than 15 seconds. No swap is necessary. If that's sounds too complicated, simply call and have them do it, they can remote access the gateway and make changes. No charge.

I DO recommend you change the admin password and wireless password to something only you know. Yes, Comcast can still access and change things, but in practice they don't and changing the password ensures that no one else can do it either.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

My friend is trying to connect his Direct TV wireless to his Xfinity router (that combines wireless, router and telephone). The router sees the Direct TV and assigns it an IP address but the TV does not get internet, therefore he cannot order TV programs;

Any idea why, since the router sees the tv and assigns it an IP address and evens shows the name of the wireless adaptor etc we cannt get to the internet?

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎02-10-201204:34 AM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:18 AM by ComcastLarry

The group inside of Comcast that is responsible for these all-in-one gateways have their own support line for customers at I don't know what their official name is, although I'm sure they have one. They are trained and relatively technically competent when it comes to handling and configuring the gateways. They are seperate from the typical clueless less support folks you get if you call 1-800-COMCAST, which is why I recommend you call the gateway folks instead of the regular phone support if you have an issue or question about the gateway. I don't know what their hours are, you can simply call them and find out.

I don't know what DORY stands for, but it appears to be a internal nickname for the gateways that has found its way into popular choice. You see in press releases and in the gateway admin guide itself.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

I am having my HD Complete XF Triple Play installed on Monday the 20th. I use an Airport Extreme Base Station and an Airport Express to extend my network. Will the technician installing be able to put the Comcast Wireless Gateway into Bridge Mode so I can still use my existing wireless network?

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Seriously though....call that number....even with the tech there. I called and someone litterally picked up.....made the change, modem rebooted and I was done in under 5 minutes. Kudos to the team there, they actually know what they are doing.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

‎02-18-201209:23 AM - last edited on ‎06-26-201211:12 AM by ComcastLarry

mikenilson wrote:

I am having my HD Complete XF Triple Play installed on Monday the 20th. I use an Airport Extreme Base Station and an Airport Express to extend my network. Will the technician installing be able to put the Comcast Wireless Gateway into Bridge Mode so I can still use my existing wireless network?

Probably not, but just have him call the support folks at they get in done in just a few minutes.

Re: Help to setup Xfinity SMC wireless router to bridge with Linksys router

Is there a step-by-step for dummies that will walk me through this set-up process? I've got it that I have to call the 1-800 # to put the gateway in bridge mode and all, but I want to make sure I physically have everything in place when I call, and that I am clear on just how to login to my LinkSys router (WRT54G) and/or the gateway to reassign any ip address (static or otherwise) that my have to be.

Here's where I'm at: I have the LinkSys router to use as the wireless, I have cat5 wire running rampid through the house, with three computers hard wired to the network as well as a network hard drive and a network printer. Physically, where does the LinkSys router have to be tied in? Directly after the gateway, or doesn't it matter? Then, what do I have to do to configure it before I have the gateway bridged?

I will readily admit that I don't have a comprehensive understanding of how this all works, but the poor performance of the all-in-one gateway has pushed me into having to learn this. Any and all help is appreciated.